Among industries, output grew in March most in the forest industry, by 39.6 percent and in the chemical industry, by 23.8 percent, which was partly driven by the pharmaceutical industry and increased demand for cleaning agents and disinfectants amid the coronavirus, or Covid-19, epidemic.

On an annual basis, industrial production rose a working-day adjusted 2.8 percent in March, following a 0.8 percent decrease in the preceding month.

Separate data from the statistical office showed that the new orders in manufacturing declined 9.3 percent annually in March, following a 5.8 percent fall in February.

During January to March period, orders decreased by 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year.